metamorphosis

*Yeah, churchmates, you've heard this illustration countless times. But just the same, it's worth remembering. Besides, it's everyone's story, as well. Hehe!

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Do you remember our lesson in science on how the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly – otherwise known as metamorphosis? Surprisingly, I do. Actually, my life is a reminder of the magic that it brings.

Weeks ago, as I was strolling around our campus, I had this strange feeling. A tiny creature was crawling just between my shoulder and neck. And interestingly, it was the first time I had a close encounter with the infamous caterpillar or “higad” in our university. I did not actually mind it; I even used my bare hands to take it off me and throw it away. Apparently, my neck started to itch. By then I felt so stupid, having done what I did. What am I supposed to do then? I was left to wait till the itch subsides and disappears. Unfortunately, it lasted for three days, of which I’m still wondering how come. Anyway, this personal experience with a caterpillar, gives me some sort of a jumpstart to the point I’m driving at.

Without further discussion, I believe everyone would agree that besides the itchy feeling that we suffer in the hands of caterpillars, they contribute no other intrinsic good to the ecosystem. Moreover, they consume the acrimonious leaves of plants in your mother’s garden. No wonder why you have little left of your green-leafy-vegetables for supper. :( Aside from that, its mere appearance is enough to disgust people, especially when one sees its ooze coming out…yikes! ;p

Yet amazingly, after some time, this almost worthless caterpillar grows into a magnificent creature – a butterfly. It turns into an organism that now feeds itself on the saccharine nectar of flowers, at the same time and unintentionally serving as an agent of plant growth through pollination. The presence of its stunning colors brighten up one’s day, and make one think that there’s still a reason to smile in the midst of our troubles.

There goes a simple differentiation between these two creatures. They are one and the same in reality. But at one point in their life cycle, they undergo a change that would make them completely distinct from each other. Its façade has changed. But more significantly, it has revolutionized its desired lifestyle and reason for existence: from bitter leaves to sweet honey, from destruction to development. Let’s not forget their looks; it’s the most obvious feature that could tell them apart.

You know what? I once fed myself on superficial desires. I tried to satisfy the yearnings of my heart temporarily, which led me to crave for more and more and more. Unfortunately, they have never fulfilled my needs and wants…and I bet they never will. On top of my incompleteness, I was unaware that I have also caused the people around me harm, in one way or another. I have wounded my parents, for example, in my longing that they lavish me with expensive things, as reward for my academic achievements. How shallow was I. How rotten. How disgusting.

However, just like the caterpillar, life doesn’t end that way. Well, you see, I’m an emerging butterfly, too. We are meant to come out, spread our wings, and fly (so the song goes). And what is our cocoon, by the way? (Hint! Hint! - check out my previous post) Got it? Bingo! It’s the Cross. It was “the moment” I told of in my first entry, of encountering the One who hung Himself on the tree, in the name of mercy and grace, for love, for you and me. And this act of love alone from our Father has enough supremacy to transform both our body and spirit.

None but Jesus has the power to change me. I have tried countless times on my own, but to no avail. And until this very moment, He has been turning things right-side up for me. It’s not just a heart matter. His grace makes things manifest in the outside. He has harmonized my desires into His. He shepherds me as I shepherd the younger sheep. With Him by my side, I now have a clearer view of the path I should take in my life’s journey.

Yeah, I’m not perfect, yet. But the One who began this metamorphosis in me is faithful to finish His work. So don’t be surprised when that day comes (it surely will hehe!), that you’ll see me as one of those precious butterflies in the Lord’s garden – servant of His intensified body, with incredibly dazzling wings widely-spread. :)